A Sample Prep-Free Analysis of Perfluorinated Carboxylic Acids with “SMCI+” using NCI - Environmental Monitoring -

User Benefits

- “SMCI+” setup enable direct and quick qualitative GC/MS analysis of PFCAs without the need for tedious derivatization steps - “SMCI+” setup delivers convenience and safety to carry out negative chemical ionization and requires only common laboratorysolvent as reagent gas - Detection sensitivity of PFCAs can be improved by using negative chemical ionization supported by “SMCI++”

Introduction

Perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) are commonly labelled as “the forever chemical”. These compounds are extremely persistent in the environment. PFCAs are man-made and do not occur naturally in the environment. The prolonged accumulation of PFCAs in humans, wildlife, and the environment can lead to potentially adverse effects. The pervasive use of PFCAs in manufacturing processes and its broad exposure has since come to the attention of regulators such as the US Environmental Protection Agency and the European Environmental Agency. A recent study has also indicated that long carbon chain PFCAs are detected in human breast milk and infant formulas. Despite numerous attempts to restrict the use of PFCAs, the lack of alternatives and international free trades necessitate the need for constant environmental and substance monitoring. PFCAs are compounds of the formula Cn F(2n+1)CO2H. Due to the presence of a carboxyl functional group, it is necessary to perform derivatization prior to analysis with the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) technique. The usage of a direct probe as a sample inlet in GC/MS provides an alternative technique that eliminates the need for tedious sample preparation. This benefit paves the way for a quick and direct method to achieve preliminary detection and identification of PFCAs. In addition, as PFCAs are fluorinated compounds, negative chemical ionization mode could improve the detection sensitivity. This article demonstrates the application of a direct probe in conjunction with a solvent mediated chemical ionization (SMCI) operated under negative chemical ionization (NCI) mode for the analysis of six types of PFCAs. The NCI mass spectra of PFCAs generated by SMCI units will be evaluated.

May 27, 2021 GMT